There must be something special about Bali that draws numerous travellers here in search of spiritual retreats and activities. Is it the island’s paradisiacal beauty and tranquil serenity, or the unexplainable and intangible “positive vibes” of this place and its people?

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Your guess is as good as ours. But whatever your seek, and whichever reasons that prompt you towards making a journey here – if a Meditation retreat is part of your itinerary, make a trip to the following places in Ubud:

Bali Silent Retreat

Too busy to take a break? Here’s when you need to draw the line – break off from your hectic and frazzled lifestyle, and retreat to an environment that promotes serenity and relaxation. Bali Silent Retreat may just be your cup of tea; this hidden gem is nestled away amidst the expansive rice fields and dense jungles of west Bali. The flexibility of the program will suit time-pressed individuals. Stay a handful of days if a short getaway is what you can afford for the moment. If a long break is what you seek, make time to stay for a couple of weeks or more. Here’s what to expect – activities listed in the program include silent and group meditation sessions, yoga classes, outdoor excursions and spiritual ceremonies.

Location: Br. Mongan, Desa Penatahan, Kec. Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia

White Lotus Yoga & Meditation Centre

Soothe your soul with the cosy and peaceful vibes at White Lotus. Meditation classes here are conducted by the owner, Sandeh, and are held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 P.M. eve week. You’ll be guided though movement meditations, such as the heart chakra, nadabrahma or kundalini meditation, at a breezy octagonal studio with striking views of the surrounding greenery. If you’ve arrived during the first week of the month, drop in for the ‘silent day of meditation’ (10 A.M. – 7 P.M. on every first Sunday of the month).

Location: JL. Kajeng 23, Ubud, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Contact: +62 899-0134-962

Ubud Yoga House

Tucked away in a secluded location, it takes a ten minutes’ walk from the main road to arrive at Ubud Yoga House. The walk is scenic and meditative, which will help to still busy minds before a yoga or meditation class. Urbanites will relish the experience of practising yoga in an open area that overlooks the lush rice fields of Ubud – a far cry from the closed up, air-conditioned settings that contemporary studios offer. Beginners new to meditation will appreciate the instructions and insights offered during the meditation sessions.

Location: Jl. Subak Sokwayah, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Contact: +62 821-4418-1058

Jiwa Damai Bali

The pretty and picturesque setting at Jiwa Damai Bali sets the stage for a calming retreat. A total of six Balinese guest rooms and two traditional lumbungs provide accomodation for travellers keen on an immersive experience.

Visitors residing here will start and end off each day on the right note; a morning yoga session will give your body the invigorating workout it needs, while a heart meditation helps to round out the evening on a mindful note. You’ll also have ample opportunities to participate in seminars and workshops conducted by local and international participants. When it comes to food, expect nothing less than tucking into plates filled with wholesome vegetarian fare.

A yoga and meditation retreat at Bagus Jati comes with a touch of luxury. Apart from daily yoga sessions, retreat packages include perks such as private yoga classes, ayurvedic treatments, additional indoor and outdoor activities, as well as full access to all facilities on-site, like the gym, pool, jacuzzi and herbal steam bath.

Two enviable pavilions – one accommodates a total of thirty, while the other has a maximum capacity of ten – overlooks a luxuriant forest, and features expansive bi-folding doors that allow in plenty of tropical breeze and sunlight. Set yourself gently on the mat, palms placed lightly above the knee, and let the soft voice of the instructor guide your mind into a meditative state; the zen-like setting of this plush retreat makes sinking into relaxation an easy and breezy affair.

If what you seek is less of a holiday, and more of an immersive retreat, a stay at Anand Ashram may be your cup of tea. Individuals residing here are to adhere to the ashram discipline – a set of guidelines on how pilgrims and spiritual travellers should conduct themselves during their stay. The daily schedule, lasting from 6:00 A.M. till 10:00 P.M., includes a variety of activities ranging from chanting, yoga and meditation sessions, to fire ceremonies, kirtan sessions and spiritual dialogues.

If you’re in Ubud for a brief stay, and have no plans to venture beyond the central areas of the town, it may be worth making a stop by at Yoga Barn. This renowned retreat needs little introduction – all aspects of the centre, ranging from yoga classes and retreats, to the salubrious Garden Kafe and holistic healing centre, are coveted by many. If what you’re looking for is a highly-personalised meditation class with few other practitioners, Yoga Barn’s large class sizes will not appeal to you. However, its prime location in central Ubud makes it convenient for travellers to make a stop by for a session or two to discover more about the practice of meditation.